Pruning calendar: when to prune which plant — month by month
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When to prune? The complete calendar
Wrong pruning timing brings no flowers, damaged plants, or frost damage. Most hangs on one rule: prune just before growth, not in dormancy. This guide gives month by month when.
JANUARY — FEBRUARY: Hard winter pruning (frost risk gone)
Shrubs (deciduous) — hard prune:
- Hydrangea macrophylla: hard back to 60 cm
- Hydrangea paniculata: hard to 60 cm
- Butterfly bush (Buddleja): hard to 30 cm
- Forsythia: remove old wood
- Saw/prune damage visible, prune it
Hedge:
- Don't prune! Frost risk, wait May-June
Trees/large shrubs:
- Remove dead branches
- No growth pruning (frost risk)
MARCH — APRIL: Spring pruning (growth starts)
All shrubs — moderate prune:
- Hydrangea arborescens: moderate prune (spare structure)
- Lavender: hard back (60% for English)
- Roses: hard back to 60 cm (outdoors!)
- Forsythia, lilac: light after bloom
- Ground covers: remove dead leaves
Hedge:
- Start first prune (light May better)
- Formal shapes: May better
Climbers:
- Light prune (against wall?)
MAY: First hedge prune + spring bloom aftermath
Hedge:
- Thuja, Leylandii: FIRST PRUNE (very important!)
- Privet: first prune
- Boxwood: very light prune (forms)
- Beech, hornbeam: light trim back
Flowering shrubs after-prune:
- Forsythia: immediately after bloom prune
- Lilac: immediately after bloom prune
- Magnolia: don't prune (damages!)
Perennials: Dead leaves off, growth boost
JUNE: Summer pruning start + Second hedge prune
Hedge:
- SECOND PRUNE for fast growers (Thuja, Leylandii, Privet)
- Boxwood: light prune forms
- Formal shapes: now best time!
Summer-blooming shrub prep:
- Butterfly bush: pinch tips = more flowers
- Roses: spent flowers off (dead-heading)
Climbers:
- Light trim back (against wall don't grow)
Ornamental grasses: Don't prune! (too early)
JULY — AUGUST: Summer maintenance
Hedge:
- Second prune (fast-growing types)
- Boxwood: light form prune
Summer bloomers:
- Spent flowers off (Roses, Lavender, Hydrangea)
- Water more (dry!)
Pinching:
- Lavender tips pinch off = more flowers next month
SEPTEMBER — OCTOBER: Autumn preparation
Hedge:
- Third prune for tidy winter (Privet, Thuja)
- Don't hard! (frost risk)
- Evergreen hedge: careful prune (dormancy starts)
Autumn bloomers:
- Aster, Chrysanthemum: don't prune (blooming now!)
- Spent flowers off (encourage bloom)
Deciduous:
- Beech, Hornbeam: light trim back (silhouette)
Don't prune: Roses, Hydrangeas, climbers (dormancy starts!)
NOVEMBER — DECEMBER: Winter preparation
Hedge:
- Don't prune! (frost risk next month)
- Dead branches remove OK
Winter bloomers:
- Sarcococca, Viburnum: don't prune (blooming now!)
- Spent flowers off
Major cleanup:
- Dead branches everything off
- Crossed branches remove
- Sharpen shears!
Pruning per plant type: summary
| Plant | Timing | How hard | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrangea macrophylla | Jan-Feb | 60% hard | For June bloom |
| Hydrangea paniculata | Jan-Feb | 60% hard | For full bloom |
| Shrub rose | March-April | 50% hard | For new bloom |
| English lavender | March | 60% hard | Compact growth |
| Hedge fast (Thuja) | May, June, Sept | Light | Maintain form |
| Hedge slow (Boxwood) | June, Oct | Light | Forms |
| Forsythia | April after bloom | Light | Health |
| Ground cover | March | Dead leaves | Growth start |
| Climber | June | Light | Against wall |
| Ornamental grass | March | Hard (ground) | For new growth |
Frequently asked questions
Can I prune any time?
No. January-February: hard (no root growth). May-October: careful (active growth). November-December: not (frost risk). Really: prune with growth cycles.
What happens if I prune wrong time?
Prune freezes frost: frost damage branches (dead). Prune summer hard: energy burn, dry stress. Prune autumn: dormancy disrupted.
Can I miss your bloom?
Yes. Hydrangea hard prune October = no flowers next summer. Timing is everything.
Are electric shears better?
Clean cut better (shear). Saw for thick wood. Electric shear OK for hedge and lavender.
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